The red wolf
When people say lupus, they are referring to systemic lupus erythematosus or systemic lupus erythematosus, but this disease has other types. Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs more frequently in women and often starts in the reproductive age of women. Lupus is an autoimmune disease, where abnormal antibodies are produced in the blood, and it is worth mentioning that this disease affects several organs in the human body. In fact, there is no specific cause of lupus, but a range of genetic, hormonal, environmental and immunological factors may be behind it. Environmental factors include viral and bacterial infections, excessive sun exposure and severe psychological stress. Some drugs cause symptoms similar to symptoms Lupus, such as Hydralazine, which is used to lower blood pressure, and Procainamide, which is used in the case of irregular heart rate. It is worth mentioning that high levels of estrogen due to pregnancy may worsen the pain Z Lupus.
Lupus treatment with alternative medicine
Lupus patients can benefit from alternative medicine, which is also called complementary medicine, but these treatments must be used with conventional medicines. Patients should consult their physician before commencing supplementary treatment. The role of the doctor is to tell the patient whether these treatments will interfere with the medication. Conventional and complementary treatment of risks and benefits. Complementary and alternative therapies for lupus treatment include:
- Dehydroepiandrosterone: Supplements that contain this hormone will help reduce the dose of steroids taken by the patient to stabilize symptoms in some patients with lupus.
- Fish oil: Fish oil supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids, which may be useful for people with lupus, but we still need more studies in this area. It is worth mentioning that the side effects of fish oil supplements include nausea, burping , And fish taste in the mouth.
- Vitamin D: There is some evidence that people with lupus may benefit from vitamin D supplements.
- The lupus patient is advised to do the following to treat the symptoms of lupus and reduce the episodes of the disease:
- Check with your doctor regularly, instead of visiting your doctor only when symptoms occur. Visiting your doctor regularly reduces relapses and allows you to discuss factors that affect your health, such as stress, diet, and exercise.
- Comfort may be sufficient. Lupus sufferers suffer from constant tiredness and exhaustion that is not like normal fatigue. Comfort may not be a solution, but the patient should be advised to take a good rest at night and more than a nap during the day.
- Wear sunscreen such as hats, long-sleeved shirts and long pants; UV rays can stimulate the disease, and advised to go out under the sun using sunscreen with at least 55 sun protection.
- Regular exercise helps reduce the risk of heart attacks and reduce depression.
- Refrain from smoking, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, and exacerbating the effects of lupus on the heart and blood vessels.
- Eat a healthy diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, taking into account prohibited foods in case of other diseases.
Treatment of lupus erythematosus
Lupus treatment depends on the signs and symptoms of the patient, and requires careful discussion with the doctor to know the benefits and risks of drugs used, and to follow whether the treatment dose requires some of the mitigation or increase. The most common drugs used to control lupus are:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Non-steroidal non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen sodium and ibuprofen may be used to reduce pain, swelling and fever associated with lupus. NSAIDs with the strongest effect can not be used over-the-counter. Side effects of these drugs are the possibility of stomach bleeding, kidney problems, and an increased risk of heart problems.
- Antimalarial drugs (Antimalarial drugs): Drugs commonly used to treat malaria, such as hydroxychloroquine, may also help control lupus. Side effects of these medications are stomach disorders and rarely cause damage to the retina.
- Corticosteroids: Prednisone and other types of corticosteroids can respond to lupus, but often produce long-term side effects, including weight gain and ease of bruising, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, diabetes and increased risk of infection. These effects are more likely to increase the dose and length of treatment.
- Immunosuppressants: These drugs may be useful in severe cases of the disease. Examples of these drugs include azathioprine, mycophenolate, leflunomide, and methotrexate. Possible side effects may include increased risk of infection, liver damage, reduced fertility, increased risk of cancer, and a newer drug called Belimumab. This drug may reduce the symptoms of lupus in some patients, including side effects of nausea Diarrhea and fever.
Symptoms of lupus erythematosus
The severity, duration, and duration of the symptoms of lupus erythematosus varies from person to person. Signs and symptoms may suddenly or may develop slowly, may be mild or severe, and may be temporary or permanent. , And that the symptoms become more severe and become more fierce for a certain period, and then passes the patient long periods without suffering a little.
The patient suffers from certain symptoms related to the organ suffering from inflammation of lupus, and the most common signs and symptoms:
- General fatigue and fatigue.
- Fever.
- Joint pain, stiffness and swelling.
- The appearance of a rash in the shape of a butterfly on the face so that it covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose.
- Skin spots become worse when exposed to sunlight (sensitivity to light).
- The fingers and toes become white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful and tired periods. This phenomenon is called Raynaud’s phenomenon.
- Shortness of breath.
- pain in chest.
- Dry eyes.
- Headache, confusion, and memory loss.